Santa Monica Public Library seeks city’s first poet laureate
November 1, 2023 5:42 PM
The Santa Monica Public Library opened applications earlier this week seeking the city’s first-ever poet laureate.
This honorary position will serve a two-year term beginning March 1, 2024, and receive an annual stipend of $5,000. The city's poet laureate will engage with the community and share the love of poetry by:
- Creating an annual original poem celebrating the City of Santa Monica
- Presenting two annual writing workshops or poetry readings at a Santa Monica public school, the Library, or other community event
- Organizing at least one poetry-related program each year as part of the Library’s National Poetry Month programming in April
- Presenting or participating in local events
- Carrying out activities focused on poetry or literary arts
The Poet Laureate Review Panel, made up of community members from the Arts Commission, Library Board, Friends of the Library Board, and city staff, will review and make the final selection for city’s poet laureate. The panel-selected poet laureate will then be announced at the Feb. 13, 2024, City Council meeting.
“We are thrilled and look forward to working with Santa Monica’s first poet laureate,” Library Director Erica Cuyugan said. “This program helps to ensure that the literary arts are celebrated and remain accessible to the Santa Monica community and its visitors. We look forward to collaborating with our future poet to weave together the many voices and experiences that make up the beautiful fabric of our community.”
The poet laureate program is open to Santa Monica residents 18 and older. Applications will open on October 30, 2023, and close on December 18, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. PST. Submissions can be made electronically. Paper applications can be picked up and submitted during the application period at any Santa Monica Public Library location.
For more information, visit santamonica.gov/programs/poet-laureate.
Media Contact
Karen Reitz
Librarian III Adult Services & Programs Manager
Karen.Reitz@santamonica.gov
Categories
Arts, Culture & Fun, Library, Programs, The Arts